(Newser)
–
Francisco Rodriguez's biggest save of a record-breaking season came in a tie game. Rodriguez wriggled out of a bases-loaded jam in the 10th inning, Mike Napoli hit two early homers before scoring the go-ahead run in the 12th and the Los Angeles Angels avoided another playoff sweep by beating the Boston Red Sox, 5-4, early this morning.

Boston had beaten Los Angeles in 11 consecutive AL playoff games, including three-game sweeps in 2004 and '07 en route to a pair of World Series titles. But the Angels chased Red Sox ace Josh Beckett early, then got six scoreless innings from five relievers. Jon Lester will face Angels right-hander John Lackey in Game 4 tonight.